NOVEL NEXT Chapter 445
“I’m not a vampire, so why would I need to stamp my territory like that?” Shione, consumed by her bizarre possessiveness and obsession, bit my arm.
Somehow, the sight of her being satisfied while staring at the sharp marks left by her fangs still lingered in my mind. Afterward, clinging desperately, she gave me a peck on the lips. It was as if I was a tiny insect caught in a spider’s web, waiting for the moment of being devoured.
However, there was a small festival planned to celebrate our victory today. As the head of the family, it felt wrong to miss out on it, and it was about time I got out of her grasp.
“…Lucky me. I had told the attendants that I’d arrive on time.”
“This time, it really was unavoidable.”
“Hmm—”
Of course, Shione’s complaints grew more vocal.
Yet, it seemed she was quite pleased that the engagement talk finally surfaced, as evidenced by the corners of her mouth lifted high.
“Then, since it would be too much for the head of the family to personally visit the Count’s House to propose, I guess the second daughter—me—will be heading to the barony?”
“Looks like that’s the case. But the barony is known for its excellent transport and trade, so there will be plenty to enjoy. The attendants even said that the tourist spots are quite beautiful, so I think it’s worth looking forward to.”
“Will Ray introduce me?”
“Maybe not call it an introduction, since we’ll be exploring and having fun together after you arrive.”
After the victory ceremony and the funeral were taken care of, I needed a break as well.
Even if we killed the Gluttony Demon, bringing a brief period of peace, there were still many matters to resolve alongside the excavation of the Demonic Realm. Taking a moment to pursue comfort and happiness was essential in preparation for the long-term battles that lay ahead.
It seemed Shione was also satisfied with the answer she received, as she said with a bright expression.
“Then… as soon as we return to the family, I need to find a gift. I’ll bring it along.”
“A gift, you say?”
“Yep! Look forward to it.”
Her playful voice, as she poked me in the side, echoed in my ears.
“I think Ray will be pleased to hear that I took care of it.”
“…”
What kind of future is Shione envisioning? It was a statement that filled my mind with both unease and curiosity, but I decided to keep it to myself.
As soon as all the preparations were complete—
“To tell you the truth, the Count’s House is also planning some festivities to celebrate the victory today. See you later, Ray!”
“I’ll try to visit there if I have time. Since the Baron House and the Special Mission Team fought together, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to celebrate together too.”
“I can just wait, right?”
“I’ll come by when the atmosphere is just right.”
“I’ll welcome you with open arms, so you can come early if you want!”
After a brief farewell with Shione, I headed to meet our attendants.
The soldiers of the Baron House were already roaring with cheers to celebrate our victory.
However, the issue was that there was something oddly dignified about this festival celebrating our win.
I subtly mentioned it to our commander.
“Commander Hanelrn, I’ve heard rumors that the drinks from the north are excellent. Have you had the chance to try any?”
“Indeed. The crisp taste of northern beverages is captivating. They also have the added benefit of chasing away the cold, and even though it’s been a while since I left the north, I sometimes find myself longing for it.”
“Oh, hearing you say that makes me curious about the taste…”
I glanced around and noticed Teia and Dorothy watching me with eager eyes.
Even the soldiers, secretly thinking about the taste of alcohol, were swallowing hard.
“Lady Aria Alenarr’s icy cavalry brigade is already enjoying their triumph with drinks, so we should definitely get a few barrels of Arael Fortress’s liquor to enjoy. Don’t you think so, Commander Teia?”
“Absolutely! It’s a well-deserved victory, and we must not skip out on the drinks!”
“It’s been a while since I’ve had some alcohol, hasn’t it? I suppose the two of us can keep things in line if things get messy from all the drinking.”
“Of course! We should also hear the stories of the competition between our commander and Diolia over drinks.”
Eventually, even Hanelrn, who was typically so serious, nodded along with our suggestions.
“Very well. Then we shall prepare the drinks. And—”
As Hanelrn got caught up in the festival’s excitement, he soon cast a wary glance at us as if something felt off.
“…I should mention beforehand that I haven’t lost to Diolia-senpai.”
It seems that refusing to accept defeat is just part of his nature.
*
Once the festival at Arael Fortress came to an end, it was bustling once again.
—Officially declaring the war a victory, the royal regular army was set to return to their homes and families, aside from the families rooted in the north who would continue to secure and monitor the situation.
After the orders from the Central Fortress reached Arael Fortress, there was nothing that could stop the soldiers longing for home and their families.
While previously they had been tense, preparing to face demons and dragons, now the atmosphere was filled with the freshness of returning from a victorious battle, flooding the fortress.
The preparations to return home quickly finished, perhaps fueled by the soldiers’ sense of camaraderie.
“Head of the family, we’ve finished preparing for the retreat.”
“I’m finally going to get to see the Baron House. Please take care of us on the way down.”
“The carriage you will be riding in has been fully prepared.”
“Oh, the carriage?”
“Yes, it was specially provided by Your Highness, the Princess.”
Even after the war was won, it seemed that the folks at the Central Fortress were still quite busy.
As for Adelhaite, who had led the last purging activities, she hadn’t been able to show her face to us.
Well, while that was disappointing, it was clear that she was looking out for both Shione and me, as we received plenty of supplies for our journey ahead.
“I did receive a letter, huh?”
Once the situation calmed down to a point she was satisfied with, she promised that she would find us again soon.
I had a feeling I’d find myself crossing paths with the princess again before long.
“I’ve already greeted Ainel, Shione, and our commander.”
Ainel and Diolia wished us a pleasant journey, but Shione had shown plenty of reluctance to part, her footsteps dragging as she left.
But now, having finally completed all the preparations to return to the Baron House, I shared a moment of calm with my three commanders, making eye contact.
“Hanelrn, Teia, Dorothy.”
“Yes, Head of the Family.”
“You’ve worked hard since coming up to the north with me. Thank you all.”
It’s said that praise can make even whales dance.
With that slightly embarrassing phrase, each of them wore expressions of satisfaction.
To make sure they cheered even louder, I finally delivered the words they were all hoping to hear.
“We’re heading back to the Baron House from now on!”
At last, my journey toward my family estate had begun.
*
As we descended from the north to the western Karpel Barony, the state of the north was quite a sight to behold.
It wasn’t just the fortresses that had suffered; rumors of cultists ravaging the area were all too real. While I hadn’t experienced the situation directly below the fort, seeing the aftermath of the war for myself, I finally understood how fierce the battles had been.
“Every little village torn to shreds.”
Villages that were inadequately protected had already succumbed to flames, reduced to ash.
The burnt pillars of houses stood silently, and belongings left behind in the rush to escape lay scattered across the ground.
Moreover, encountering such villages even once or twice on the restricted pathways of our baronial soldiers was enough to evoke a heavy heart.
“I’ve heard that the Alenarr Marquis was busy covering and traversing the rear areas.”
The north was by no means small, and thus the Marquis must have spent every waking moment riding and battling enemies that appeared in multiple locations. It surely was no easy feat.
But it was precisely because of their efforts that we could claim victory in this war.
As we pressed onward, we finally entered the western part of the kingdom, approaching my territory.
“Head of the Family, we will soon arrive at the Karpel Barony.”
Bored with just sitting in the carriage, I had begun to ride and heard Hanelrn say.
“At last, we’ve arrived. How close are we now?”
Eagerly, I asked.
“If we follow the lake ahead for just another hour, you should be able to see the outer city district.”
“Oh.”
Before my eyes, a lake with clear waters lay peacefully, and the sunlight reflecting off its surface created a stunning scene, a picture-perfect beauty that left me in awe.
Suddenly, a far grander city than I had anticipated came into view.
“This is—”
“This is the Karpel Barony, Your Excellency.”
A prominent trade city that connects the royal capital to the west; Karpel Barony was filled with life and bustling people, unlike the desolation of the north.
“It’s finally here.”
It was my territory.